The certification applies to a variety of tissue products marketed under the Kleenex and Scott brand names; these products will feature the FSC label on their packaging starting in September 2009, the release stated.

According to the release, the label certifies that the wood fiber used to make the products comes from well-managed FSC-certified forests or from post-consumer recycled fiber.

In addition to its FSC-certified products, Kimberly-Clark Professional, a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), uses FSC-certified paper for its catalogs, brochures and other printed materials, the release noted.

Richard Thorne, vice president of Kimberly-Clark Professional North America, said: "FSC standards are globally recognized as the highest social and environmental standards in forestry. This certification enables us to support forest stewardship as well as continue to provide a wide range of sustainable product choices for our customers. Kimberly-Clark Professional prides itself on our balanced approach to the environment. We have long been leaders in providing high-performance, environmentally responsible, source-reduced products. The FSC certification is a major initiative, taking us to the next stage in our efforts to achieve the highest levels of environmental responsibility."

The FSC, founded in response to public concern about deforestation and demand for a trustworthy wood-labeling system, is an international, independent organization dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world''s forests, the release added.